Iceland at Leisure | Winter

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Iceland at Leisure | Winter

Explore Iceland at a leisurely pace on this classic road trip taking in Iceland‘s top natural and historic attractions, including Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Admire the black sands, waterfalls, geysers and glaciers located along the ring road and experience some of Iceland's lesser known gems as well - this vacation package has it all! Available from 1 October to 30 April.

Included

Rental car for 12 days, with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance (pick up & drop off in Reykjavik)

Private transfer from airport to Reykjavík (one transfer per tour)

Free Wi-Fi up to 3GB in car during your trip

Use of GPS satellite navigation

Two authorized drivers

Good road map and suggested itinerary in English, also available in French and Spanish

Iceland Guide Book

24/7 emergency phone line service

Taxes and service fee

Highlights

Tour West Iceland Saga country

Explore the beautiful and mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Visit volcanic sites by Lake Mývatn

View the tall mountains and friendly fishing villages of the Eastfjords

Marvel at the floating icebergs on Jökulsárón Glacier Lagoon

See the northern lights in winter if you are lucky

Optional

Enter one of the world's most remarkable lava caves

Go on a thrilling glacier tour on Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Cruise the beautiful Breiðabjörður Bay on a boat

Take a dip in the Nature Baths by Lake Mývatn

See whales in their natural environment in Húsavík

Go on a boat excursion and sail between the icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Take an unusual hay wagon tour to Cape Ingólfshöfði

Itinerary

Arrival day | Reykjavík

You are met upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Reykjavik. Stroll around the friendly city centre and enjoy the many cafés, galleries and shops. Check out some of the city's landmarks such as Harpa Concert and Conference Centre by the harbour and Hallgrímskirkja church.

Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the tour price).

Day 1 | The West

Tour Borgarfjörður district, the site of one of the most popular Icelandic sagas, Egil's Saga. Visit Hraunfossar and Barnafossar falls, the powerful Deildartunguhver hot spring and historic Reykholt, the former home of Snorri Sturluson - one of Iceland's most famous poets and writers from the middle ages. You can also opt to go on a caving tour of Víðgelmir, one of the largest lava caves in the world (advance bookings in winter).

Accommodation in the Borgarfjörður area.

Day 2 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The diversity of the landscape and geology of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is unique. Explore Eldborg Crater and the many attractions along the south coast of the peninsula including the church at Búðir, Arnarstapi harbour, Djúpalónssandur beach and Snæfellsjökull Glacier. Legend has it that the glacier is one of the seven 'energy points' of the Earth and author Jules Verne also famously featured it in his novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. Glacier tours are available during summer.

Accommodation in the Snæfellsnes area.

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Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Travel along the north coast of Snæfellsnes. Visit Grundarfjörður village with its stunning view of Mt Kirkjufell. Explore the pretty harbour village of Stykkishólmur with its many colourful old timber houses. It is possible to take a boat trip from here and sail around Breiðafjörður Bay's many islands and bird colonies (limited in winter).

Accommodation in the Húnaflói/Skagafjörður area.

Day 4 | The Northwest and Akureyri

Explore the majestic Hvítserkur Cliff off Vatnsnes Peninsula - seals can often be seen basking around on the beaches and the Seal Centre at Hvammstangi is also worth a visit. Tour the Skagafjörður area, known for its horse breeding. Visit the farmhouse museum at Glaumbær and the old turf church at Víðimýri. End the day in charming Akureyri town – often nicknamed the 'Capital of the North'.

Accommodation in the Akureyri area.

Day 5 | Lake Mývatn

View the beautiful Goðafoss Waterfall ('Waterfall of the Gods'). Continue to the Lake Mývatn area and explore its many impressive sights including Dimmuborgir lava fields and the geothermal area at Námafjall. Relax in the milky blue waters of the Nature Baths and enjoy an impressive view over the rugged surrounding landscape.

Accommodation in the Lake Mývatn area.

Day 6 | The Northeast

See whales in their natural habitat on a whale watching tour from the pretty harbour in Húsavík (limited in winter). Visit the Fossil collection at Tjörnes and the beautiful Öxarfjörður area.

Accommodation in the Lake Mývatn area.

Day 7 | The Northeast

Visit the spectacular attractions of the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park including Ásbyrgi Canyon, Hljóðaklettar ('Echo rocks') and Dettifoss Waterfall. Drive through the mystical barren landscapes of Möðrudalsöræfi to Egilsstaðir town.

Accommodation in the Egilsstaðir area.

Day 8 | The East

The town of Egilsstaðir lies by Lake Lagarfljót where the sea serpent 'Lagarfljótsormur' allegedly lives. Explore the numerous places of interest around the lake including Hengifoss Waterfall, Hallormsstaður forest and Skriðuklaustur Centre of Culture and History.

Accommodation in the Egilsstaðir area.

Day 9 | The Eastfjords

Drive along the Eastfjords with their dramatic mountain scenery and quaint fishing villages. Make a stop for example in Fáskrúðsfjörður village and enjoy the view towards Skrúður Island. Continue southwards to Höfn, known for its delicious lobster.

Accommodation in the Höfn area.

Day 10 | Vatnajökull National Park

Admire the vast Vatnajökull Glacier as you drive along the Southeast coast. Cruise between the towering icebergs at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon (April-October). Take an unusual tour to Cape Ingólfshöfði on a hay wagon (May-August). Enjoy the glacier vistas and many walking and hiking possibilities at Skaftafell nature resort.

Accommodation in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.

Day 11 | The South Coast

Visit the beautifully located Kirkjubæjarklaustur village. Continue to Vík village and visit Dyrhólaey, a 120 m high cape and nature sanctuary with perpendicular cliffs teeming with birds. Stop at Skógar with its magnificent waterfall Skógafoss and Skógar folk museum. Admire - or even walk behind - the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall.

Accommodation in the Gullfoss/Geysir area.

Day 12 | The South - inland

Drive through the fertile farmlands of the South, the setting of the famous Njal's Saga. Visit historic Skálholt cathedral, Kerið, a 3,000 year old explosion crater, the beautiful Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir hot spring area and Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of great historic and geological importance.

Accommodation in Reykjavík (optional and not included in the tour price).

Accommodation in Reykjavík

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